Scientific Name and Classification of Albatross

The scientific name of the albatross is Diomedeidae. It is derived from the ancient Greek hero Diomedes, who participated in the Trojan War because based on a legend, albatrosses sang upon his death. Albatrosses are one of the largest birds that are capable of flight and have a long lifespan of over 60 years. However, humans, sharks, cats and rats have proved to be dangerous predators for the species as they are close to extinction. 

Key words: Albatross, Diomedeidae, Scientific Name, Taxonomy, Aves

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Classification of Albatross

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The albatross belong to the order of Procellariiformes which also includes petrels, shearwaters and other seabirds. The family of an albatross is known as Diomedeidae which is also its scientific name. However the classification of an Albatross is considered to be controversial, due to its ancestral history. 

The albatross is a strong big-bodied bird which is unique because of its sheer size of the wingspan. The albatross do not flap their wings to fly but rather glides on the ocean winds with minimal body movement. Hence, they also have trouble flying in the absence of winds.

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Habitat of Albatross

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The albatross, scientifically known as Diomedeidae, is a native resident of the Southern hemisphere around South America, Antarctica, Australia and South Africa. In the Northern Hemisphere, only a few species inhabit the region between Alaska, Japan, Hawaii and California. The only necessity for survival is that an albatross requires a strong wind for its survival. 

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Facts about Albatross

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• Albatross is also commonly known as gooney bird due to its comical nature of landing where it tumbles forward.
• The species of albatross are said to be anywhere between 13 and 24.
• The biggest albatross is the Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans) stretching 11 feet from tip to tip.
• A majority of species of albatross are considered to be endangered. 
• An albatross can travel at speeds of upto 50 miles per hour.

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Things to Remember

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• The scientific name of an Albatross is Diomedeidae.
• The albatross is now considered to be an endangered species.
• Their habitat is mainly in the Southern hemisphere and North Pacific region.
• Albatross lives in the open seas and ocean.
• Albatrosses glide with the help of ocean winds instead of flapping for flying.
• They have the biggest wingspan of any other bird.

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